Welcome, morning of joy, glad feast that all ages shall hallow,
Day when the Bride of the Lamb joyfully weddeth her Spouse.

This is the palace of God, the dwelling of peace and refreshing:
Hither the poor may repair, winning a Solomon's wealth.

True Son of David is he who hath knit us up into his Body;
Here in your mother home, hail him as God and as Man.

Linked by a heavenly bond are ye in the grace of the Spirit,
If ye will honour your troth, seek to be brothers in heart.

New-made from heaven descends Jerusalem's mystical city,
Decked with a glory that flows straight from the fountain of light.

Here at the laver of grace the King of goodness eternal
Cleanses with water from heaven souls that approach him in faith.

Here David's Tower standeth sure: on hasting feet run to its stronghold;
Stored up within ye shall find pledges of heavenly bliss.

This is the Ark of the Lord that succour affords to the faithful,
Carrying safe into port them that were tossed on the sea.

Ladder of Jacob is here, the ladder that bringeth to heaven
Those who with faith for their guide follow the path of the just.


c. 13th century (York Processional)
tr. C. S. Phillips